Matisyahu came to fame in 2004 with his debut album, Shake Off the Dust... Arise, as a Hasidic, Reggae performing Jew. From 2001-2007, he was associated with the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic community in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, and this was the main reason for his appearance.Like Yankovic, fans will remember him most for his Hasidic image and the idea that he performs in the Reggae genre is unique (just like the start of parody with Al) so he also made success through his hit songs, such as:
- King Without a Crown
- Youth
- Jerusalem
- One Day
- Sunshine
- Searchin'
- Surrender
- Happy Hanukkah
His image made him a notorious artist, especially because he didn't dress in a Hasidic style, rather he observed the look but dressed casually which upset the Hasidic community. He also refused to perform live on the Sabbath because he was observing it.
In 2011, he posted this picture on social media, announcing that he would no longer be adopting the image of the "Hasidic Reggae Superstar", as he would rather just be the same artist, but as himself, realising that he had let go of the faith that he once believed in. At the time of this reveal, fans were shocked because it was something they never expected, and some still debate today as to whether it was a publicity stunt for extra popularity.
According to Dyer, Matisyahu's image would be perceived as Organic, he developed it himself and he is not fully involved in the industry. In addition, he reinvented his image to reach his audience in a more organic way, because he seemed to feel that this part of his image developed into something quite synthetic.
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